Steelers Crossover: Week 4 Q/A with Texans writer Justin Churchill
The Pittsburgh Steelers are basically in a must win scenario on Sunday. Yes, it's only Week 4, and yes they are tied for the lead in the AFC North. But starting next week, Pittsburgh's schedule gets a lot tougher with the Baltimore Ravens coming to town. So as three point road favorites, it's time for […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers are basically in a must win scenario on Sunday.
Yes, it's only Week 4, and yes they are tied for the lead in the AFC North.
But starting next week, Pittsburgh's schedule gets a lot tougher with the Baltimore Ravens coming to town. So as three point road favorites, it's time for Pittsburgh to put together a series of wins, something I discussed with A to Z Sports' Texans writer Justin Churchill:
CJ Stroud Is On Fire
Coming into 2023, there was a thought Houston would be a run first team given their perimeter players and rookie QB. Instead, CJ Stroud has lit it up the past few weeks. Has that been surprising? -Steelers writer, Rob Gregson
It has been surprising, given how Week 1 went. They couldn't get anything going through the air or on the ground. However, Stroud is hitting his stride, and most fans and media knew it was only a matter of time. The more surprising thing was how much time he doesn't have to throw, as he is missing nearly all of his starting offensive line due to injuries. -Texans writer, Justin Churchill
Texans Could Be in For A Long Afternoon
The common thought is that Laremy Tunsil will be out on Sunday. How do you think that changes things up front with one of the leagues best pass rush duos coming to town? – Gregson
Yes, it changes everything. Tunsil is one of the best tackles in the league, as he is paid like so. And seeing what those two did to the Raiders last week lets me know everything I need to know about how Josh Jones will do. They have struggled against team's like the Ravens and the Colts. The Steelers are even better than those two when it comes to their pass rush on the edge. – Churchill
Early Returns on Coach Ryans
Houston’s defense doesn’t have the names that San Francisco’s does, but first year HC DeMeco Ryans is implementing a lot of the coverage concepts and rush plans that he did during his time as the 49ers defensive coordinator. How impressive has he been early? – Gregson
I'd say very impressive. The game he called against Baltimore was great, despite the score not falling in their favor. The defensive backs have been everywhere on the field as they have used some shell and quarters a bit, not to mention they have linebackers who can drop in coverage fairly well too. If the Texans were looking to establish themselves as a defensive team, they made the right decision hiring Ryans. He has even helped develop Will Anderson a bit so far too. – Churchill
What's Wrong With The Run Game?
While CJ Stroud's start has appropriately generated buzz, the Texans ground game hasn’t. With the worst run differential team in the league by way of Pittsburgh coming in, should we expect the Texans and Dameon Pierce to stay on schedule?
– Gregson
As far as I'm concerned, the running game will look pretty much like it has until they get their offensive line fully healthy, which could take the whole year, and likely will with Kenyon Green out the entire year. Pierce is a guy who is pretty dependent on the guys up front to create gaps and spacing, and doesn't do a whole lot on his own. I'd expect the run game to be poor against the Steelers. – Churchill
Could The Texans WRs Cause A Problem on Sunday?
A couple of weeks ago it was Nico Collins with a big game. Last week it was rookie Tank Dell. How special can this pass catching group be considering names like Dalton Schultz, Robert Woods and John Metchie aren’t even the headliners? – Gregson
In my opinion, they are one more name away from having a really good group if and when everything comes together. Collins and Dell have established great relationships with Stroud and I think that's mainly what it has come down to. Metchie has been on limited snaps for the most part and when he is ready, he could also showcase some of the same things we saw at Alabama. – Churchill
Latest injury report for Steelers at Texans, Week 4
Here is an updated look at the Steelers’ injury situation ahead of Week 4.
